Centrifugal gang-casting machine



Nov. 1, 1932. w. MOULTON 1,885,465

CENTRIFUGAI) GANG CASTING MACHINE Filed Oct. 21, 1931 7 Sheets-Sheet l WI'TNEss Nov. 1, 1932. o j 1,885,465

CENTRIFUGAL GANG CASTING MACHINE 770 NEYS Nov..1, 1932. w. MOULTON CENTRIFUGAL GANG CASTING MACHINE Filed Oct. 21, 1951 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 l rro NE vs Nov. 1, 1932. 1.. w. MOULTON 1,835,465

CHNTRIFUGAL GANG CASTING MACHINE Filed Oct. 2],, 1931 '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 w w JUN Nov. 1, 1932.

1.. w. MOULTON CENTRIFUGAL GANG CASTING MACHINE Filed Oct 21, 195], '7 Sheets-Shet 5 7/ YEIYTOR {701% B? My firms/Vera Wirnsss Nov. 1, 1932. w. MOULTON 1,

CENTRIFUGAL GANG CASTING MACHINE Filed Oct. 21, 1931 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 A 7h A. MV/Aw in, m

luvs/v Tole Nov.'1, 1932. w. MOULTON CENTRIFUGAL GANG CASTING MACHINE 'r sheets-sheet 7 Filed Oct. 21, 1931 m //YYEIYTOR v VW HTTO "E Y8 4 and reloading position.

Patented Nov. 1, 1932 PATENT OFFICE LLOYD W. MOULTON, F SYRACUSE, NEW YORK CENTRIFUGAL GANG-CASTING MACHINE Application filed October 21, 1931.

This invention relates to a centrifugal gang-casting machine as distinguished from the single babbitt casting machine shown in my Patent No. 1,675,657, July 3rd, 1928, but

embodying certain features of the patent relating more particularly to the clutch and brake mechanism for controlling the rotation of the invidual work-holders.

The machine is adapted to be used more particularly for casting Babbitt metal bearings in the crankshaft openings of connecting rods or pitmans commonly used asconnections between the crank shaft and pistons of internal combustion engines, piston pumps, and analogous apparatus.

The main object of the present machine is to expedite the casting operations and thereby to greatly increase the output for a given period of time.

One of the specific objects is to provide means whereby a multiplicity of work-holders may be sequentially presented to a given point without interruption and to discharge the molten metal into the work while the work-holders are passing that point.

Another object is to provide means for automatically controlling the flow of the molten metal into the work when successively presented at the receiving point so that the flow will occur only while the workholdersare passing the delivery nozzle of the melting pot.

Another object is to provide the machin with means for automatically regulating the operation and speed of rotation of the workholder so that the latter will be held against rotation when brought to the loading and unloading position and will be rotated at a relatively highspeed immediately following the delivery of the moltenmetal to the work to assure the proper formation and cooling of the casting in transit from the delivery the unloading nozzle of the melting 'pot to Other objects and uses relating to specific parts of the machine will be brought out in the following description.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a top plan of 50 a. centrifugal Serial No. 570,168.

gang-casting machine embodying the various features of my invention.

Figures 2 and 3 are enlarged vertical sectional views taken respectively along the lines of 22 and 3-3, Figure 1.

Figures 41- and are detail sectional views taken respectively along the lines of 4-4, and 55, Figure f Figure 6 is a horizontal sectional view, partly broken away, taken in the plane of line 6-6, Figure 2.

Figure 7 is a detail vertical sectional view taken along the line 7-7, Figure 6.

Figures 8 and 9.are enlarged detail vertical sectional views taken respectively along the lines 88 and 99, Figure 2.

Figure 10 is an enlarged detail vertical sectional view taken in the plane of line 1010, Figure 3.

Figure 11 is a detail vertical sectional view taken along the line 1111, Figure 9.

Figure 12 is an enlarged detail vertical sec tional view taken in the plane of line 12'-12, Figure 6.

Figure 13 is a diagrammatic plan view of i the circular path of rotation of the workholders and the several operations which take place at d iferent positions of travel of the work-holder.

Figure 14 is an enlarged detail vertical sectional view taken in the plane of line 1l11, Figure 6.

Figure 15 is an enlarged detail horizontal sectional view, partly broken away, taken in the plane of line 15-15, Figure 2.

Figures 16 and 17 are enlarged detail horizontalsectional views, partly broken away, taken respectively along the lines 1616 and 1717, Figure 2.

Figure 18 is an enlarged elevation, partly in section, of the mechanism shown in Figure 15 taken along the line 1818, Figure 15.

Figures 19 and 20 are enlarged detail vertical sectional views taken respectively in the planes of lines 19-19 and 2020, Figure 15.

The main supporting frame comprises a substantially circular horizontal base 1-, and a motor-supporting. base 2- secured to one side of the circular base -1" and upon which latter is mounted an upright bracket 3- carrying at its upper end a suitable furnace or melting pot 4: of any suitable construction in which the metal used to form the castings is melted by any wellknown melting process, see Figures 1,2, 3 and 14.

The base -l is provided intermediate its lower and upper ends with a substantially horizontal wall or partition -5 having a central hub-6 in which is secured the lower end of an upright post 7'.- which 1 extends upwardly above the level of the out- Cal let of the melting pot 4 and is provided at its upper end with a canopy plate or hood 8, shown more clearly in Figures 1 and 2.

A plate -9- is secured by bolts -10- to the lower end face of the post -7 to engage the lower end face of the hub -6- for holding the post against upward displacement, said plate -9 being secured to the hub by pins -11- to cooperate with the bolts -10-- for holding the plate and post against rotation relatively to the base -1--, said post being also provided with an annular flange --12 resting upon the upper end face of the hub6- to support the post against downward movement and thereby to assist in holding the post in an upright position, see Figures 2 and 14.

The melting pot -4:-- is provided with an outlet opening --13 to which is secured a valve case "l4.-'having an inlet port 15- and an'outlet port -16, the inlet port serving to receive molten metal from the outlet 13 and is preferably inclined upwardly and inwardly to communicate with the valve chamber while the outlet 16' of the nozzle14 extends inwardly and. downwardly from the valve chamber to "inafter described so that as each sprue is registered with the outlet 16 of the nozzle -14- the molten metal may .be caused to enter the same, Figures 2 and 8.

The passage of the molten metal from the inlet 15- to the outlet 16 is controlled by a valve -17-, Figure 2, which in turn is adapted to be opened and closed intermittingly as each of the work-holders is successively registered with the outlet 16, the o eration of the valve being automatic and timed with the speed of rotation of the carrier for the work-holders in a manner hereinaft-er more fully explained, see Figures 1, 2, 3 and 8.

' Rotary carrier The upper end of the base --1-- is provided with a horizontal annular bearing face 18 upon which is rotatably mounted'a .carrier frame 19 adapted to rotate about the axis of the post 7- with its lower end resting upon the bearing face 18, said carrier frame being provided with an inner supplemental section 20- which is secured by bolts 21-- to the frame -19 and has its upper end provided with a hub '22 journaled upon the adjacent portion of the post 7 to assist in holding the carrier frame co-axial with the post, as shown more clearly in Figures 2 and 14.

The annular bearing 18- is formed upon an inturned flange on the upper end of the base -1--, said flange having its inner edge circular'to form a side thrust bearing which is engaged by the marginal edge of the carrier section 20 to assist in holdin the carrier coaxial with the post -7- as s own more clearly in Figures 2 and 14.

The flange upon which the horizontal annular bearing 18- is formed is provided with a plurality of, in this instance, three oil pockets, -23 arranged in uniformly spaced. relation circumferentially about the axis of rotation of the carrier for receiving a wardly from the oil pocket 23 and is spring-pressed upwardly by a coil spring 29 in the lower end of the socket 28 to yieldingly hold the rollers 24- in engagement with the underside of the adjacent portion of the carrier 19, see Fi ure 12, the purpose being to lubricate the flat earing surfaces between the base -1- and carrier and thus permit the carrier to be rotated with a minimum friction and power.

Carrier rotating means A gear ring 30-, shown more clearly in Figures 2, 6 and 14, is bolted or otherwise secured to the underside of the carrier section 20 concentric with the axis of the port -7 to mesh with a pinion -31 which is secured to a relatively larger gear 32, the latter being journaled upon a post 33 on the base 1 for relative rotation, as shown more clearly in Figures 6 and 7.

A sleeve 34 is journaled upon the post The sleeve 35, is also provided with a bevel gear 37 meshing with a bevel pinion -'38 which in turn is secured to one end of a horizontal driving shaft 39 having its other end connected to an electric motor 40 or equivalent power. device, said motor being mounted upon its supportin g frame or bracket 2' shown in Figure 2, see also Figures 6 and 14.

The inner end of the driving shaft 39. adjacent the pinion 38 is journaled in'a sleeve 41 which in turn is supported upon the adjacent portion of the partition 5 of the base l'as shown more clearly in Figures 2 and 14, said gear 37 being preferably made in the form of a ring secured by bolts 37 to the lower end of the sleeve 34 as shown more clearly in Figure 151. v

It is now clear that even though the driving shaft 39 may be driven by the motor at a high rate of speed, the speed reducing gear train 36 will cause the carrier 19 to be rotated at a relatively low speed for a pur pose hereinafter more fully explained.

The several gears of the train 36 are journaled upon an upright stud 33 on the partition 5 of the base 1 as shown more clearly in Figure 7, some distance to.

one side of the motor shaft 39 in the direction of rotation of the carrier as shown in Figure 6 so that the gear 32 may project some distance beyond the periphery of the gear ring 30.,

- Carrier lubrication As shown more clearly in Figure 7 th base 1 is provided near its periphery with an oil reservoir 42 directly under the outer portion of the gear -32 for receiving a punip 43 having its suction side communicating through a screen *44 with the interior of the reservoir and its pressure side provided with a conduit 45, (F igures 6, 7 and 14) leading to the lower end of a central vertical passage 46 in the upright post 7 as shown more clearly in Figure 14.

This oil passage 46 extends upwardly to about the level of the hub 22' of the carrier section 20 and is provided with branch oil passages 47- leading to the hub bearing 22 and sleeve 34 for lubrieating those parts as the carrier is rotated.

The pump 43- is provided with an upright shaft 48 carrying a pinion 49 driven gear sleeve 34 will also operate .the oil pump to force the oil into the upright passage46' and thepost 7 and thence to the bearing 22 and sleeve -34 respectively.

Rotary workkolders some distance above the spur gear 35- to rotate with said sleeve about the axis of the central upright post 7 as shown more clearly in Figures 2 and 14 and is adapted to mesh with a plurality of, in this instance, six similar pinions 5l'which are mounted upon a corresponding number of horizontal shafts 52--, the latter being arranged in uniformly spaced relation circumferentially around the axis of and radially to the upright post 7 to extend outwardlytherefrom.

These shafts 52- are journaled in suitable bearing sleeves 53 which in turn are secured to the rotary carrier section 20- as shown in Figures 2, and 14:, each shaft having its outer end provided with a pulley 54.-'- keyed or otherwise secured thereto to rotate therewith, see Figures 2 and 14.

Each ofthese pulleys 54iis connected by a belt 55 to a superposed pulle 56-- which is journaled in axially spaced earings 57 upon a shaft 58 for relative rota.- tion upon said shaft, see Figures 2 and 3.

The carrier 19 preferably consists of a circular frame concentric with the axis of the post 7- and having its lower end rotatably mounted upon the annular bearing 18- of the frame 1- in a plane between the gears -37 and 50 and its upper end ex tended some distance above the horizontal plane of the shaft 52- and provided with a substantially horizontal deck ring or plate 59 bolted or otherwise secured to said carrier to rotate therewith around the post Associated with each of the belts 55- is a belt tightener tsimilar to that shown in my patent referred to, see Figures 2 and 14 i Gal with a brake drum 62- concentric with.

the axis ,of the corresponding shaft 58- and secured to said housing by bolts 63- and pins 64-- as shown in Figure 3, said brake drum being arranged in axially spaced relation to the corresponding pulley 56-. A combined clutch and brake ring 65 is splined by means of a slot 66- and pin 6 upon each of the shafts 58 to rotate therewith and to slide axiall thereon and is interposed betweerfthe hu s of the corresponding pulley 56 andthe adjacent brake drum 62 for alternate frictional engagement therewith as it is shifted 1n opposite directions.

For this latter purpose, the adjacent ends of the pulley 56- andbrake drum -62 of each set are provided with inner conical bearing surfaces 56- and 62- wh11e the adjacent ends of the combined clutch and brake member 65 are provided with conical peripherial surfaces -68 and 68 adapted to be alternately brought into fr ctional engagement with their respective friction surfaces 56" and 62- as the clutch member is shifted in opposite directions in a manner hereinafter described, see Figure 3.

It is now evident that when the carrier 19 is being rotated in the manner previously described about the axis of the post 7, rotary motion will be transmitted to all of the radial shafts 52'- through the medium of the gear ring and plnions 51- and that this rotary motion will be.

- transmitted by means of the belts -55- to all of the pulleys 56 which are free to rotate upon their respective shafts 58 when the clutch members are shifted axially out of engagement therewith and into engagement with the brake drums 62 at which time the shafts 58- will be held against rotation.

On the other hand, when the clutch members 65- are shifted axially out of engagement with the brake drums +62 and into engagement with theirrespective pulleys -56, rotary motion will be transmitted through said clutch members to their respective shafts 58-.

The outer ends of the several shafts -58 are provided with hubs 69 keyed or otherwise secured thereto to rotate therewith for receiving and supporting a corresponding number of work-holders 70 which are secured to their respective hubs -693 by bolts -69' or equivalent fastening means to cause the work-holders to rotate with their respective shafts, see Figure 3.

Each of these work-holders -70- comprises a relatively large circular face plate 71 having one or more outwardly pr'ojecting pins or studs 71'- eccentric to the axis of rotation of the face plate 71 for receiving and supporting a corresponding number of pieces of work -a-- shown by dotted lines in Figure 3.

Each piece ofwork a consists, in this instance, of a connecting rod or pitman commonly used ininternal combustion engines for connecting the crank shaft to one of the pistons and for that purpose is provided at its opposite ends with hollow bearings b and --b'- adapted to receive respectively a portion of the crank shaft and one of the cross pins of the piston.

A suitable fan or blower e, similar to that set forth in my patent previously re- Figures 1, 2 and 3 to assist in cooling the casting in its travel through the cooling arc.

The crank shaft bearings b are usually provided with babbitt or equivalent sleeves for direct engagement with the crank shaft and the purpose of the present invention is to project limited uantities of the molten metal into each of the, earings b of the several pieces of work as they are successively aligned with the discharge nozzle 16 of the melting pot 4-- during the rotation of the carrier and then to rapidly rotate the work-h older with the work thereon about the axis of the bearing containing the molten metal for causing the latter to assume a cylindrical form within the hearing by centrifugal force without interrupting the rota tion of the carrier.

Each of the work-holders 70 is provided with a'central work-engaging boss or hub -72- which is secured by bolts 72' to the face plate 7l and hub 69 coaxial therewith and having its outer end face disposed in a plane at substantially right angles to said axis for receiving and enga ing the adjacent end of the bearing b of the work a as shown by dotted lines in Figure 3, it being understood that the opening in the bearing -'b will be substantially co-axial with'the axis ofthe work-holder and held in that position during the casting op,- eration, see Figures 2 and 4.

That is, the distance between the axis of the hub 72 and stud 71 corresponds to the distance between the axes of the bearings b and b of the work a.

When the several work-holders are successively brought to a predetermined position, as for example, that designated by the arc load'and unload, Figure 13, the operator will place-one of the pieces of work in operative position upon the registering work-holder with its eye or-bearing b"-- engaged with the stud 71 and its other bearing -b' engaging the outer end face of the member 72 co-axial therewith to be clamped against the end face of said member in a manner presently described, see Figure 3.

Each work-holding plate 71--. is provided with a plurality of, in this instance, three axially extending openings -73 arranged .in uniformly spaced relation about its axis and relatively thereto for receiving a corresponding number of guide sleeves -74 through which latter are passed a like number of guide bolts 75.

Upon the inner ends of each set of bolts 75 is mounted a bearing plate76 to rotate with the face plate 71 co-axial with the corresponding shaft --58, the outer ends of each set of bolts 75 serving to receive and support a clamping plate,77- which is also rotatable with the face plate 7 1 about the axis of the corresponding shaft 58, see Figures 2 and 3.

The bearing plate 76 is located at the inner end of the face plate 7l while the clamping plate 7 7 is located some distance from the outer end of the work-supporting member 72as shown in Figure 3, to receive the adjacent portion of the work between them when the clamping plate is moved to its extreme outer position as shown in full lines in Figure 3 against the action of coil springs 78which surround the inner ends of the respective bolts 75 and are interposed between the plate 76 and enlarged portions of the sleeves -74.

While the several work-holders are being moved by the carrier 19 about the axis of the post 7 through the are indicated by the words load and unload in Figure 13, the corresponding clutch member will have been moved endwise into engagement with the brake drum 62 to temporarily stop the rotation of the adjacent shaft -58-- and its work-holder .71 to allow the removal of the work with the casting therein from the work-holder and also to permit another piece of work ato be inserted in proper position on the work-holder for receiving the molten metal.

That is, during the period of unloading and loading of the Work from and in the machine, the clutch member 65 will be forced into engagement with the brake drum 62 'to stop the rotation of the work-holder while at about the same time or during the same period of unloading and loading the clamping member --77-, will have been moved axially and outwardly to its open position as shown by full lines in Figure 3, it being understood that the rotation of the carrier is rather slow and that the period of non-rotation. of the workholders about their respective axes and opening movement of the clamping member --77"- will be suflicient to allow the operator to withdraw the finished articles from the machine and to replace another piece of work upon the same work-holder.

As soon as the piece of work is properly placed in the work-holder the clamping member77- is released and forced to its clamping position against the work a by means 'of the coil springs 78 and immediately upon the closing of the clamping member 77-- upon the work the clutch member 65 will beshifted out ofengagement with the brake drum 62 and into engagement -with its corresponding continuously rotating pulley 56- thereby causing the workholder with the work thereon to be rotated at a relatively high speed.

In order to accomplish the automatic shiftmg of each clutch member 65 into and out of engagement with the brake drum 62- and pulley -56 the inner end of each shaft 58 is provided with a central socket 79 for receiving axially movable plunger sections -80 and -80 which are telescopically connected end to end by a connecting pin 81, the section 80 bemg provided with a diametrical opening for receiving thespline pin 67 by which the clutch member 65 is connected to its shaft 58 for relative axial movement thereon, see Figure 3.

It is now evident that when the plunger sections 80v and .-80 are moved end wlse in reverse directions, similar motion will be transmitted to the key pin -67 and through said pin to the clutch member 65-, but it will be noted upon reference to Figure 3 that a slight lost motion is provided for between the adjacent ends of the sections 8( and 80 to assure firm frictional engagement of the clutch member with the brake drum 62 and pulley 56 aided by a coil spring '-82 which is interposed between the ad acent ends of the sections -80 and 80 as shown more clearly in Figure 3 1n whlch it will be noted that the openings in the section -80'- for receiving the pin -81- are slightly elongated to permit said lost motion. I

A plurality of brackets 83- are secured by bolts -S3- or equivalent fastening means to the underside of the upper deck 59- of the rotary carrier -l9 to extend upwardly therefrom at the outer ends of the corresponding work-holders for recelvmg andsupporting a corresponding number of uprlght spindles 84: carrying at their upper ends'a like number of hopper shaped conduits 85 for conducting the molten metal from the nozzles 16 to the work, when alined with the nozzle 16.

These spindles 84 are adjustable yertically in the upper ends of their respective brackets -83- for properly centering the outlet ends of the hoppers 85 with the openings in the work a into which the molten metal is to be cast; said spindles being held in their adjusted positions by set screws 84, Figure 3.

The lower ends of these conduits 85- are disposed in substantially horizontal planes co-axial with the axes of the rotary clamping members 2 and 77' and extend through relatively larger central openings 77- in the adajcent clamping members 77 to allow said clamping members to rotate relatively to the adjacent ends of the conduits -85 without friction therewith and to enable the molten metal to be disings -b-- of the work a.

The outer upper ends of the conduits are open and disposed in a horizontal plane just below that of the lower end of the nozzle 16, said discharge nozzle l6- and upper open ends of the conduits 85- being disposed equal distances from the axes of rotation of the carrier 19- so that as the latter is rotated about its axes the upper ends of the conduits 85 will be successively registered with the lower ends of the discharge nozzles 16 for receiving molten metal therefrom and allowing said metal to flow by gravity into the bearingb of the work -a.

In order that the molten metal may be discharged into the conduits 85 without interrupting the rotation of the carrier 19, the upper ends of the conduits are elongated circumferentially as shown more clearly in Figures 1 and 8, the circumferential length of the mouth ofeach conduit being suflicient to receive a full charge of the molten metal during the period of travel of the conduit past the outlet nozzle 16 see Figures 1, 2 and 8.

The valve case 14 is provided with an upwardly projecting extension 14 in which the valve 17 is guided in its vertical movement for regulating the flow of the metal from the melting pot to the nozzle 16 said valve being normally closed by its own weight or by any other self-closing means, but is adapted to be intermittingly automatically opened as the several conduits 85 are brought into registration with the discharge nozzle 16- by the rotation of the carrier 19.

For this latter purpose the valve 17 is pivotally connected at 86- to the intermediate portion of a lever 87 which has one end pivoted at 87' to the extension 14 of the valve case l& and its other end provided with an opening 86''for receiving an upright operating rod -88-, shown more clearly in Figures 2 and 8.

This rod 88 is guided in its vertical movement in lower and upper bearings 88 and has its upper endniovable freely through the opening 86 in the adjacent end of the lever 87 which is free to move vertically and assists by its own weight in closing the valve -17.

The portion of the rod 88- directly below the adjacent end of the lever 86' is threaded and engaged by a nut 89 which is adjustable vertically on the rod and is held in its adjusted position by a lock nut 89', Figure 8.

The lower end of the rod 88 rests by its own weight upon one end of a bell crank lever 90 which is pivoted at 90' to the frame section -3- and its other end provided with a roller 9l. The downward movement of the end of the lever engaged by the rod 88 is limited by an adjustable stop screw 92- which is' engaged in a threaded lug 92 on the frame section 3- as shown more clearly in Figure 8.

The weight of the rod 88 engaging the lever 90 yieldingly holds said lever in engagement with the stop screw 92 at which time the nut -89- will be in slightly spaced relation to the underside of the adjacent end of the valve operating lever 87- to allow the valve to completely close while the roller 91- on the other end of the lever -90 will be elevated to the position shown by full lines in Figure 8.

Suitable means is provided for intermittingly engaging and depressing the roller 9l of the lever 90 for rocking said lever from its normal position and thereby operating the rod 88- and lever 87- -94engaging the outer end faces of their respective work-clamping members -77.

The lower arms of said levers are extended downwardly and provided with adjustable terminal members -9l' which are movable in the horizontal plane as m. Figure 8 of the upper portion of the roller 9l as the carrier is rotated for engaging and dcpressing said roller and adjacent end of the lever 90 to effect the opening of the valve 17 through the medium of the rod 88- as each conduit -85 on the carrier is brought into registration with the discharge nozzle of the melting pot. v

These levers 93'are also movable independently of each other about the axis of their respective pivots -'93' against the action of retracting springs 95- which serve to yieldingly hold the rollers 94 in engagement with the clamping member 77- and also to return their respective levers into engagement with. adjustable limiting stops 95, see Figures 2 and 3.

As previously stated, during the rotation of the work-holders through the arc Figure 13 designated by the expression load and unload, the clamping member 77 will be moved to its open or outermost position,

thereby rocking the lever -93 to the posi- 'tion shown in Figure 3, thus causing the lower terminal end thereof to travel in an are some distance to the inside of the roller 91.

In order to accomplish this openingmovement of the clamping member 77- a cam lit ' and brake-members previously described, are

rovided with a corresponding number of rackets 98- said brackets being secured to portions of the housings directly under the pulley 56' as shown in Figure 3.

. A like number of bell crank levers 99- are pivoted at, 99' to their respective brackets -98 to extend-through openings in opposite sides of the housings -60, the inner arms of said levers being provided with rollers 100 a distance from the axis of the post 7- corresponding to the radial distance of the cam segment 97- and arranged to travel along and against the lower edges of said segments as shown more clearly I in Figure 3 so that when the carriage -19.-

with the levers -99- thereon are rotated about the axis of the post 7 the rollers --100 will be successively brought into engagement with the cam -97- for. sequentially depressing the corresponding arms 'of the levers -99- and effecting a corresponding upward movement of the outer ends of the levers which are provided with adjustable members -100'., Figure 3.

"Cooperating with the outer ends of the levers 99 are a corresponding number of hell crank levers,-101 each of which is pivoted at 101'- to the corresponding housing -60. and is provided with a plurality of, in this instance, three arms 102, -103, and -104-, the members 100'- of the levers 99 being arranged to en gage the undersides of the arms --102-- for transmitting motion therefrom to the levers -10l as the inner ends of the levers '99 are 7rocked downwardly by the cam segment 9 Each arm 103 of the bell crank lever 101- extends upwardly from the corresponding pivot 101- and is preferably forked and engaged with the inner end face of the plate 76- which, it will be remembered, is connected by the tie rods or bolts 775- to the outer clamping plate 77- so that when the inner end of the lever 99- is depressed by the cam segment -77-, the arm -103 will force the plates 76- and 77- outwardly or to their open positions against the action of the springs -78' to permit theinsertion of the work as shown in Figure 3, while the work-holders are passing through the are designated .as

load and unload in Figure 13. As'soon as each roller passes beabetween the plates 77- and 72 yond the end of the cam segment '97--, the

corresponding levers -'-99- and -101 will be released and the'clamping member --77 will be automatically closed against the previously inserted work by the springs 78- .thereby returning the levers; 101 and 99 to their normal positions with the rollers 100- elevated above the horizontal plane of thelower edge of the cam segment --97 ready for a repetition of the opening operation of the clampingmember 'Z7, as previously explained.

This opening andclosing movement of the clamping member or boss --77 from and upon the work as thus far explained, is en tirely automatic, but in some instances it may be necessary to open any one or more of the clamping members or jaws --77-- at will and for this purpose. is provided a corre-' sponding number of bell crank levers -105'- each of which is secured to a rock shaft 105'- which is j ournaled in suitable bear-' ings 106 on the housing 60- parallel with the pivot or rock shaft 10lfor the lever 101- as shown more clearly in Figures 2, 3, 9 and 11, the outer ends of the rock shafts 105' being provided with means for receiving a hand lever h by which any one of the shafts may be rocked.

As shown more clearly in Figure 11, one of the arms 103- on the rock shaft -101- is provided with a downward extension 107 adapted to engage a stop pin 108- which is mounted in a socket in the-housing --60 and is yieldingly. held against the extension 107 by means of acoil spring 109 to reduce the shock incidental to the opening movement of the corresponding work-clamping members 77, see Figure 9.

One of the arms as 110 of the bell crank lever 105 is arranged to engage the arm '10 1 of the corresponding bell crank lever 101 as the shaft -105' is rocked about its axis in one direction for rocking the arm -103 of the bell crank lever against the inner end face of the plate 76- for opening the clamping plate -,-77 in substantially the same manner as efleeted by the corresponding lever 99--.

It therefore follows that as soon as the operation of the hand lever hceases or is released the springs 78' will return the arm 103 to its normal position for closing the clamping members 77-.

The return angular movement of each bell crank lever -105 is limited by a stop pin 111 on the housing -60- in the path of movement of the other arm as 112- of said bell crank lever --105, see Figures 3, 9 and 11. v

The work-supporting plates -71 and clamping members 472 and .77 are surrounded by suitable guards or housings --B each of which extends around the periphery of the corresponding face plate 71 and is secured to the upper deck 59- of the rotary carrier 19- to rotate therewith, the outer ends of the housings beingopen to permit the free insertion and removal of the work by the operator 'above the upper edge of the clamping plate 77.

In order to expedite the placingand removal of the work upon and from each workholder as the latter are passing through the loading and unloading are indicated in Figure 13, it is desirable that the work-supporting studs 71' assume the same position preferably directly over the axis of the corresponding shaft 58-.

For this latter purpose, the inner ends of the several shafts 58 carrying the face plate -71 are provided with indexing plates or rings .-113 keyed or" otherwise secured thereto to rotate therewith, each'indexing plate being provided with a roller 114 eccentrically pivoted thereto to rotate about an axis parallel with the axis of the shaft ,58 as shown more clearly in Figures 2, 3, 15, 18 and 19.

Each indexing disc 113- is provided with a peripheral shoulder -ll5 facing in the direction of rotation of the.carricr as indicated by the arrows .s in Figures 1, 15 and 18.

A collar 116 is keyed or otherwise secured to the stationary posts 7' directly over but in spaced relation to the collar 96 as shown in Figures 2, 3, 15 and 18, said collar being provided with radially projecting arms 117 and 117'- arranged at an angle to each other as shown 'more clearly in Figures 15 and 18, the radial length of the arm ,-117 being somewhat greater than that of the arm -117.

A lever -119 is pivoted near one end at 120 to the outer end of the arm 117 andhas its other end provided with a hookshaped shoulder --121' directly over the circular path of movement of the indexing discs 113 for engaging the shoulder -115- upon the several discs 113- as the latter are sequentially presented thereto for a purpose presently described, see Figures 15 and 18.

The cam plate 96' on the hub 96- is alsoprovided with a radially projecting arm 117"- directly under and in spaced relation to the outer end of the arm .-117-- and upon these two arms are mounted a pair of indexing blocks 122- in the are of movement of the rollers -114- of the indexing discs --'113- but in vertically spaced relation a distance slightly greater than the diameter of said roller to allow the latter to pass therethrough when properly registered therewith.

These indexing blocks 122- also serve as deflectors adapted to be engaged by the roller 114 in case the roller should not assumes the position indicated by dotted lines in Figure 18 with its roller '114- trailing through the intervening space between the'blocks 122, the work-support ing stud 71 on the face plate 71- will be in its uppermost central position ready to receive the work as shown by dotted lines in Figure 2.

On the other. hand, if anyone or other of the discs 113 approaching the space between the blocks -122 should assume a osition to bring its roller 114- foremost in registration with said space as shown by full lines in Figure 18, then the shoulder --115-- on the periphery of the disc would be-brought into engagement with the hookshaped shoulder -121-- on the lever -119- before the roller enters the space between said blocks, thereby causing the disc 113- to rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow as through an angle sufficient to cause the roller to engage the face of the upper block -122 above the axis of-the disk so that as the disk continues its planetary motion about the axis of the post 7- the engagement of the roller with the upper block would cause a further'angular movement of the disc until brought to the rear of said axis in which position it would be free to trail through the space between the blocks, thereby causing a corresponding angular movement of the shaft 58 and face plate 71 carried thereby to bring the worksupporting stud 71' to its upper central position ready to receive the work.

If, however, the disc -113- should assume a position with the 'roller forward of and below the axis of the disc the roller would then engage the lower block -122 thereby causing angular movement of the disc -113- together with the shaft 58 and face plate 71 until the roller is free to trail through the passage between the blocks with the result that the work-supporting pin 71 will be brought to its uppermost central position ready to receive the work.

The pawl or lever --119 is provided with a relatively short extension -123- adapted to engage an adjustable stop screw -124 ment of each work-holder through the are designated by the words index 'face plate in Figure 13, or just preceding the load and unload positions of the work-holders.

As previously explained, each clutch and brake member -65 is automatically operated to alternately engage and dis-engage the brake drum 62' and pulley -56 at certain intervals during each revolution of the carrier 19- and in Figure 13 is shown a chart indicating the planetar circular path of movement of each workolder and the various operations which take place at different angular positions of the work during each revolution of the carrier.

For this latter purpose, a cam ring -125 is keyed or otherwise secured to the upright post -7- preferably between the collars '96- and -116 and in the horizontal plane of rotation of the several shafts 58 and their respective plungers --80- and 80', Figures 2, 3, 16 and 18.

A bracket -'126 having a base flange -l26' is secured by bolts 127-.- or equivalent fastening means to the inner end face of each of the housings 60 to extend inward-. ly therefrom toward theaxis of the post 7- with its. base flange preferably extending around the hub of the adjacent indexing disc "113, said bracket being provided with a transverse opening -l28 in which the in dexing disc -113 and adjacent end of the plunger section '-80'- are rotatable without frictional engagement with any part of the bracket which it will be understood is held against rotation by the bolts -127, see Figures 3 and 16.

The inner end of the bracket 126 is provided with a central opening 129- coaxial with the axis of the shaft 58- and also radial with reference to the axis of the post 7 for receiving an axially movable spindle 130.

The inner end of this spindle -130 is provided with a bifurcated head --131 engaging in a radial slot 132 in the adjacent inner end of the bracket -126 to holdthe spindle -130 against angular movement about its axis. 1

A roller 133 is journaled in the inner end of the head --131- and engages the perimeter of the cam ring -,125-.

The outer end of the spindle 130 is provided with a threaded socket ---134-- engaged by an adjusting screw 135- having its outer end abutting against an antifriction end thrust bearing -136 on the inner end of the plunger section 80'- as shown more clearly in Figure 3.

The inner end of this plunger section 80- is provided with shoulders 137-- screwed or otherwise secured thereto to form an abutment for the adjacent end of a coil spring 138-- which serves to urge the plunger section 80'- and spindle 130 inwardly for yieldingly holding the roller 133- in contact with the cam ring 125.

The cam ring l25- is provided with two peripheral cam projections 139 and perimeter of the -l40 having their peripheral faces concentric with the axis of the ring and of equal radii but of diflerent circumferential lengths, the length of the projection -139 being considerably less than that of the projection '140, see Figure 16.

The portion u of the periphery of the cam-ring 125 between the cams -139- and 140-, and the opposite portion wof said periphery are concentric with the axis of the post but of different radii less than that of the cams, the radius of the portion w being slightly greater than that of the portion --'w for causing each clutch member 65- to assume and to dwell in a neutral position out of engagement with the corresponding brake drum -62- and its pulley '56 while the adjacent roller -133 is engaged therewith or during the indexing period represented on thechart Figure 13 as previously explained.

The radial lines passing through the centers of these projections form an angle of approximately 90 degrees more or less each projection acting upon each of the rollers -133- to release the clutch member 65 from engagement with the pulley 56-- and to force the same into engagement with the brake drum 62' for temporarily stopping the rotation of the corresponding shaft 58 immediately preceding and following the indexing operation.

diately following the cooling period, while the cam 140- serves to hold the clutch -65- in engagement with the brake drum during the period of unloading and loading: the pieces of work from and upon the wor holder and just precedingthe re istration of the conduits 85- with the disc arge nozzle 16 of the melting pot 13.

The remainin greater portions w. of the periphery o the cam ring -125- regulate the cooling period of the molten metal after it has been introduced into the work The cam 139- regulates the brief intcrvalof engagement of the clutch member -65- with the brake drum 62' imme-;

during which the clutch members 65 are 1 releasedfrom engagement with the brake drums -62'- and engaged with their respective pulleys 56 through the medium of the springs 138, Figure 3.

' Operation In order that these several operations may be clearly understood, I have shown in Figure 13 a chart representing the circular path of movement of the several conduits 85- past the discharge nozzle 16- and also representing the various operations which take place at different positions of each workholder during one revolution'of the carrier 19.

' For example, assuming that the carrier is rotating in the direction indicated by arrow -y and, that the molten metal is to be discharged from the nozzle -16- into the work at the position indicated by the word pour in the chart. Then, as each workholder is carried through the relatively short are designated by fixture open, the clamping plate 77 will be opened by means of the cam 97 through the medium of the levers 99 and 101- and connecting rods 75- and will be held in this position during the travel of the work-holder through the are designated by load and unload, Figure 13 and coresponding to the circumferential length of the cam 97- Figures 15, 17

and 18.

During this travel of the work-holder through the arc indicated by load and unload, theoperator will remove the piece of work into which the casting has been formed and will replace it with another piece of work upon the supporting stud 71.

Immediately upon the travel of each roller 100-, of the corresponding lever 99 from the end of the cam 97, the clamping member 77 will be closed against the work by means of the springs 78- for holding the work in operative position during the succeeding casting operation.

It will be noted, however, that immediately following the initial opening of the clamping member 77- by cam 97' as indicated at the position fixture open, the roller 132- will ride upon the cam 140 thereby forcing the clutch member into engagement with the brake drum 62 for temporarily' stopping the rotation of the corresponding shaft 58 and its work-holder during the movement of the workholder through the are designated by brake, or while the work is being removed from and replaced upon'said work-holder.

When the roller 132- leaves the end of the cam 140 the spring 138 acting through the plunger sections 80'- and 80 will withdraw the clutch 65wfrom engagement with the brake drum 62- and force it into frictional engagement with the rotating pulley 56+ thereby causing the work-holder with the work thereon to rotate at its highest speed during the travel of the work-holder through the are indicated by the words up to speed, at which time it will be remembered that the work is firmly clamped to the work-holder by the closing of the clamping member 77 as previously explained. I

By the time the rotation of the work-holder with the work thereon reaches its highest speed of rotation, the conduit on the carrier will have been moved about the axis of the carrier directly beneath the discharge nozzle 16' of the melting pot while travelling through the relatively short are indicated by the word pour for receiving the molten metal and discharging the same into the registering bearings bof the work -a-.

As soon as the clamping plate '77 is forced to its closed position upon the work, the upper end of the lever 93- will follow and cause its lower end 94- to be moved outwardly by the spring 95- a distance from the axis of the carrier equal to the distance of the roller -91 from the same axis so that while the conduit 85- is registered with the nozzle 16-- the member 94" will engage the upper face of the roller 91- and depress the adjacent end of the lever thereby causing the opposite end of said lever to raise the rod -88 for opening the valve -17.

As soon as the member 94'- is carried past the roller -91 by the continued rotation ofthe carrier 19' the lever 90- and rod 88 will be released thereby allowing the weight of the rod, aided by the weight of the valve,'to close the latter, this opening and-closing of the valve taking place only while the conduit 85- is passing across the underside of the discharge nozzle 16 designated by the word pour in the chart, Figure 13, corresponding to the relative position of the roller 91--.

The stop screw is preferably adjusted to leave a sufficient clearance between it and the lever 93 to allow the roller 94 to press the aw 77- firmly against the work a at which time the lower end i -94 of said lever will be in position to engage and depress the roller-end of the lever 9 for temporarily opening the valve 1 In the event, however, that the operator should fail to place a piece of work in the work-holder while the latter is passing 7 through the are designated by the indicia load and unload, Figure 13, it'is evident that during that period the clamping jaw 77 would continue to move inwardly toward its companion member 72 which would allow the upper end of the lever 95- to follow the jaw and thereby to cause the lower end -9 l of said lever to be moved outwardly a sutficient distance to prevent its engagement with the roller 91-, thus preventing the opening of the valve 17-- through the medium of ts operating rod 88, it being understood that the clearance between the stop screw 95- and lever would be sufficient .for .that purpose,

but would prevent the outward swinging movement of the levers into engagement with any fixed part of the frame section as 3- or other parts mounted thereon.

It will also be evident that in case the jaw --77 should remain open while passing through the load and unload arc, the lower end 94' of the lever 93 would travel at the inside of the roller 91 thereby avoiding contact therewith and allowing the valve to remainclosed to prevent dis-' charge of the molten metal from the nozzle 16-- during that period.

It will be remembered that during this pouring operation through the relativel short are indicated by the indicia pour, Figure 13, the work-holder carrying the work into which the molten metal has been discharged will be rotating under its maximum speed due to the engagement of the corre sponding roller 132 with the peripheral portion -wof the cam ring 125- which causes the clutch member 65 to engage the continuously rotating pulley -56 and that this maximum speed rotation of the work-holder with the work therein will continue through theentire length of the peripheral portion -w of thecam or through the correspondin are designated by the indicia cooling, Figure 13, thereby causing the cylindrical formation and cooling of the molten metal in the bearing b of the work a.

Immediately following this casting operation the roller 132 will engage the cam 139- of the ring 125. to temporarily shift the clutch member 65 outof engagement with the pulley 56 and into engagement with the' brake drum 62- for stopping the rotation of the work-holder during the travel of the latter through the arcs indicated by the indicia brake on and brake.

As soon, however, as the roller --132- leaves the end of the cam 139 indicated by the indicia brake off Figure 13, said roller will be forced into engagement with the peripheral portion uof the cam ring 125-, thereby causing'the clutch member 65 to be withdrawn from engagement with the pulley 56- to a neutral position between said pulley and brake drum 62 or out of engagement with both the pulley and the brake drum, thereby stopping the positive driving of the work-holder and allowing said work-holder to be adjusted rotarily bymeans of the indexing mechanism in the manner previously described, thus permitting the work-supporting stud 71- on the face plate 7 1 to be brought to its uppermost position while traveling through the are designated by the indicia index face plate Figure 13, which corresponds to the length of the peripheral portion -u. of

the cam ring 125.

It will be noted, however, that the cam 97'- of the cam plate -)7--, Figures 15,

17 and 18, is arranged to be engaged by the --132- willbe brought into engagement with the cam 140- for shifting the clutch mem ber 65- from is neutral position into enagement with the brake drum 62 thereby stopping the rotation of the work-holder about its axis preparatory to removing the work with the casting therein and replace ment with a new piece of work, thus completing the several operations upon the work in one of the work-holders during one revolution of the work-holder, it being understood that these operations willbe repeated upon each piece of work as it is placed in each work-holder as the latter are successively presented to the positions designated by the indicia load and unload in the chart, Figure 13.

Itwill be noted that aside from placing each piece of work upon each work-holder as the latter are presented to the load and unlbad positions and the removal of the completed work at the same position, the remaining operations are entirely automatic and practically continuous for the reason that the rotation of the carrier 19- about its axis and that the rotation of the pulleys 56-- about their respective axes are continuous.

Under these conditions, it is obvious that a machine of the character shown and described will be capable of turning out a large amount of work within a relatively short period of time by reason of the fact that a I I multiplicity of, in this instance, six pieces of work will be finished during each revolution of the carrier, but it is evident that some changes may be made in the detail construction of the carrier, but it is evident that some the spirit of rthis invention.

What I claim is:

'1. In a centrifugal gang-casting machine, a rotary carrier, means for rotating the car rier,'a plurality of work-holders mounted on the carrier to move therewith about its axis of rotation, means for introducing molten metal into-the work of each work-holder as the latter are successively brought to a predetermined position, and means for rotating each work-holder when the molten metal is introduced into its work, the means for introducing molten metal into the work including a plurality of valve-operating members one for each work-holder mounted on the carrier, and means actuated by each of said members as the work-holders are successively brought to said predetermined position for opening the valve. j

2. In a centrifugal gang-casting machine, a rotary carrier, means for rotating the carrier, a plurality of work-holders mounted on the carrier to move therewith about its axis and out of engagement with the work in combination with a normally closed self closing valve controlling the introduction of molten metal into the work, a plurality of valve operating members, one for each work-holder mounted on the carrier and controlled by their respective clamping members to cause them to move to and from their valve operating positions as the corresponding clamping members are closed and opened, and means for successively closing the clamping members upon the work as the work holders are successively brought to said predetermined position to'cause the corresponding valve op erating members to be moved to their valve operating positions, and means actuated by said valve operating members when moved to their operative positions for opening said valve.

3. In a centrifugal gang-casting machine, a rotary carrier, means for rotating the carrier, a plurality of work-holders mounted on the carrier to move therewith about its axis of rotation, means ,for introducing molten metal into the work of each work-holder as the latter are successively brought to a predetermined position, and means for rotating each work-holder when the molten metal is introduced ,int0 its work, each work-holder including a clamping member movable into and out of engagement with the work, means controlled by the rotation of the carrier for successively closing said clamping members upon the work as the work-holders are brought to said predetermined position, in combination with a normally closed selfclosing valve controlling the introduction of the molten metal into the work, and means brought into action by the closing of each clamping member upon the work for opening said valve.

4. In a centrifugal gang-casting machine, a source of supply for molten metal having a discharge opening, a rotary carrier, means for rotating the carrier, a plurality of workholders mounted on the carrier about its axis of rotation and successively brought into position for receivingmolten metal from said opening, a normally closed self-closing valve controlling said opening, means actuated by the carrier for opening said valve as each work-holder is brought into alinement with tered with said discharge opening.

the discharge opening to allow the molten metal to flow into the work of the corresponding work-holder, and means for rotating the work-holders as they are successively regis- 7-0 5. In a centrifugal gang-casting machine, a source of supply for the molten metal having a discharge nozzle, a rotary carrier, means for rotating the carrier, a plurality of workholders mounted on the carrier about its axis of rotation and movable therewith to successively aline its work-holders with said nozzle, means for rotating the work-holders as they are successively alined with the. nozzle, each work-holder including a movable clamping member, means for closing the clamping members upon the work as the work-holders are brought into alinement with the nozzle, a

valve controlling the discharge of the molten metalthrough said nozzle, and means actuated by the rotation of the carrier about its axis for opening said valve as the work-holders are successively alined with the nozzle to allow the molten metal to flow into the work of the corresponding holder.

6. In a centrifugal gang-casting machine, a source of supply for the molten metal having a discharge nozzle, a valve controlling the discharge of the metal through said nozzle, a rotary carrier, means for rotating the carrier, a plurality of work-holders mounted on the carrier and successively movable therewith into alinement with the nozzle to permit its work to receive molten metal from said nozzle, each work-holder having a clamping member movable into and out of engagement with the work, means for rotating the work-holders as they are successively brought into alinement with the nozzle, valve operating members one for each work-holder mounted on the carrier. and movable with their respective clamping members, an additional valve operating member normally in the path of movement of the first named valve operating members when the clamping members are no closed upon the work and adapted to be operated by said first named valve operating members as the work-holders are successively alined with the nozzle for opening said valve.

7. In a centrifugal gang-casting machine, a source of supply for the molten metal having a discharge nozzle, a valve controlling the discharge of the metal through said nozzle, a rotary carrier, means for rotating the carrier, a plurality of work-holders mounted on the carrier and successively movable therewith into alinement with the nozzle to permit its work to receive the molten metal from said nozzle, each work-holder having a clamping member movable into and out of engagement with the work, means for rotating the work-holder's as they are successively brought into alinement with the nozzle, valveoperating members one for each work-holder mounted on the carrier and movable with their respective clamping members, an additional valve operating member normally in the path of movement of the first named valve opera-ting membersv when the clamping members are closed upon the work and adapted to be operated by said first named valve operating members as the work-holders are successively alined with the nozzle for opening said valve, said first named valve operating members being moved to a position for preventing engagement with the second valve operatously rotating member and a clutch member movable into and out of engagement there with, and means brought into action by the rotation of the carrier through different parts of each revolution for moving the clutch member into and out of engagement with its continuously rotating member.

9. In' a centrifugalv gang-casting machine, a rotary carrier, means for rotating the carrier, a plurality of work-holders rotatively mounted upon the carrier to move therewith, means for introducing molten metal into the work of each carrier as they are successively brought to a predetermined position, each work-holder including a clamping member movable into and out of engagement with the work, means for closing the clamping member upon the work as the workholders are successively brought to said predetermined position, said means including a relatively stationary cam, and means mounted on the carrier to move therewith for transmitting motion from the cam to said clamping member.

- 10. In a centrifugal gang-casting machine, a rotary carrier, means for rotating the carrier, a plurality of work-holders mounted upon the carrier about its axis of rotation, means for introducing molten metal into the work of each work-holder as the latter are successively brought to a pre-de'termined position, separate driving vdevices for the several work-holders each including a continuously rotating member and a clutch member 1n combination with means including a relatlvely stationary cam for engaglng the clutch with said continuously rotating memher while the molten metal is introduced into the work of the corresponding work-holder and for disengaging said clutch member during the rotation of the -carrier through an other part of its revolution.

11. In a centrlfugal gang-casting machine,

a rotary carrier, a plurality of work-holders rotatively mounted on the carrier about its axis of rotation, means for intermittingly rotating the work-holders during each revolution of the carrier, means for indexing each work-holder about its axis during each revolution of said carrier and during the nonrotating period of said work-holder, for properly positioning the work-holders to receive the work, and means for introducing molten metal into the work of each'workholder as the work-holders are successively brought to a predetermined position.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 13th day of October, 1931.

LLOYD W. MOULTON. 

